IPL 2022: Strict Penalties Including Suspension & Point Deductions For Breaching 'Bio-Bubble'

Breaching the Bio-Bubble in this year's IPL will attract serious sanctions like Suspension, Fine & Point Deductions as the strictest bio-bubble ever is prepared for IPL 2022.

The Covid-19 might be perceived as a lesser threat around India at the moment than it was even a few months ago, but BCCI seems to be in a mood to not take it lightly and is set to put some strong measures and serious sanctions in place for the upcoming IPL 2022.

The breach of protocols by players and team officials during IPL 2022 will attract serious sanctions. It could range from one-match suspension to seven-day re-quarantine, to ostracisation from the tournament.

On the other hand, the bubble breach by a family member of a player or match official will have even more serious sanctions. More stringently, if a team wilfully allows an outsider into the team bubble, it could face punishment up to Rs 1 crore for the first lapse and subsequent lapses could lead to deduction of one or two points from the team's tally, a Cricbuzz report said.

"The COVID-19 pandemic poses a serious threat to the health of individuals and the cooperation, commitment and adherence by each Person Subject To These Operational Rules to the measure put in place to provide a safe environment is of paramount importance," the BCCI said in its operational rules for the IPL 2022.

In the Table A of punishments, it has stated that the sanctions for the bubble breaches by a player, team official or a match official will be:

First offence -- 7 day re-quarantine or such other period as may be provided in the Health & Safety Protocols during IPL 2022 (without pay for the number of matches missed)

Second offence -- One match suspension (without pay) to take effect after the completion of the 7 day requarantine or such period requarantine as may be provided in the Health & Safety Protocols during IPL 2022 (without pay)

Third offence -- Removal from the Registered Squad for the rest of the season - no replacement allowed.

Meanwhile, there are two kinds of sanctions for the family members as well.

First offence: 7-day re-quarantine for the family member or such other period re-quarantine as may be provided in the Health & Safety Protocols during IPL 2022 and 7-day re-quarantine for the relevant Player, Team Official or Match Official or such other period re-quarantine as may be provided in the Health & Safety Protocols during IPL 2022 (without pay for the number of matches missed)

Second offence: Permanent removal of the friend or family member from the bubble for the rest of the season and 7-day re-quarantine for the concerned Player, Team Official or Match Official or such other period re-quarantine as may be provided in the Health & Safety Protocols during IPL 2022 (without pay for the number of matches missed).

The board has listed a few other sanctions as well. Other sanctions are:

Breach: If a franchise is unable to field a team for any match due to having less than 12 Players available - 11 in the playing XI (of which at least 7 must be Indian) plus 1 substitute fielder

Sanction: BCCI, at its discretion, will attempt to reschedule the match for later in the season. If this is not possible, the issue will be referred to the IPL Technical Committee. The decision of the IPL Technical Committee will be final and binding.

Breach: Wilfully allowing any person into the Bio-Secure Bubble to have contact with the Players &/or Support Staff without that person going through the 7-day quarantine or such period as provided in the Health & Safety Protocols during IPL 2022 and negative test protocols as provided in the Health and Safety Protocols during IPL 2022 or failing to put in place adequate procedures to control unauthorised access to the Bio-Secure Bubble.

Sanctions: First offence - a fine payable by the Franchisee to BCCI of INR 1,00,00,000 (Rupees One Crore Only) Second offence - deduction of 1 point Third and subsequent offences - each a deduction of 2 points.

Breach: Unauthorised departure from the Bio-Secure Bubble of a Player, or a family member of the same, resulting in a need for the Player to re-quarantine for 7 days or such period as provided in the Health & Safety Protocols during IPL 2022.

Sanctions: A fine payable by the Franchisee to BCCI of the pro-rata League Fee that would have been paid to the Player if he had been available for the match(es) during the re-quarantine period.

Breach: Other breaches of the Health and Safety Protocols during IPL 2022 (e.g. non-provision of the "must have" facilities in the hotels, training facilities & ground transportation).

Sanctions: BCCI will work with the franchisee to effect compliance. If there are further persistent breaches, the BCCI will make a Complaint to be heard under section 6 of these Operational Rules.

There are also sanctions prescribed for those missing the Covid tests. The first offence will attract a warning and subsequent offences will lead to a fine of Rs 75,000 per offence. The offenders in this category will also not be eligible for entry into a stadium or training facility until the missed test is performed.

The 15th season of the IPL will start on March 26 at the Wankhede stadium with a clash between Chennai Super Kings and Kolkata Knight Riders.